RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
Moving and not bringing our home Hifi setup with us. McIntosh C48 Preamp in beautiful condition. Prefer local pickup but can ship. Unit only.
At US$3,000, this sits below the 25th percentile of the recent comps, so it reads as a strong buy rather than just “okay” value; the gap to the median is meaningful, with the typical used ask around US$3,445 and the upper quartile at US$3,670. For a known McIntosh preamp/DAC, that’s the kind of pricing that deserves attention if the unit is functioning properly and the cosmetics are honest.
The appeal here is straightforward: McIntosh gear is built for long service, keeps a loyal following, and the C48 is valued for its versatile digital/analog hub role and the smooth, full-bodied presentation McIntosh does well. At this price, the main upside is getting into a respected platform with room left for a future DAC/front-end upgrade path; just confirm the remote, original packaging, and that all inputs/outputs work cleanly, since those details matter more than cosmetic perfection on a used unit.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
McIntosh Laboratory, founded in 1949 in the United States by Frank H. McIntosh and Gordon Gow, embodies a storied heritage of American audio innovation. Originally based in Silver Spring, Maryland, before relocating to Binghamton, New York, where products are still handcrafted today, the brand emerged from a commitment to superior sound reproduction. From powering President Lyndon Johnson's inauguration to the Grateful Dead's Wall of Sound at Woodstock, McIntosh has shaped pivotal moments in music history and pop culture, earning its place as a cultural icon.
The company specializes in a comprehensive lineup of high-fidelity components, including renowned amplifiers—particularly its revered tube models for their warm, enveloping sound—along with solid-state power amps, stereo tuners, loudspeakers, turntables, music streamers, processors, and digital-to-analog converters. This breadth supports both two-channel stereo systems and multi-channel home theaters, delivering immersive experiences in music and film. Iconic blue watt meters on their gear have become globally recognized symbols of precision and power.
Positioned firmly in the high-end market, McIntosh commands respect among discerning audiophiles for its uncompromising quality, luxurious build, and timeless design. Far from mid-tier or niche boutique, it stands as a premium benchmark, favored by legendary musicians and producers across decades, blending vintage allure with modern performance for those who demand the ultimate in sonic fidelity.
See all McIntosh listings on RADAR.
